Giving medication by applying it to the skin is called which of the following?

The administration of medication through the skin is referred to as transdermal. This method involves applying a drug in a form such as a patch or cream, which allows it to be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream over time. Transdermal delivery systems are particularly beneficial for providing continuous, controlled release of medication, making them effective for managing chronic conditions or ensuring consistent medication levels in the body.

Intramuscular refers to injections given deep into the muscles, while subcutaneous involves delivering medication under the skin but not through it, generally in the fatty tissue layer. Intradermal injections are administered directly into the dermis, just beneath the epidermis. In contrast, transdermal delivery bypasses these layers to directly affect systemic absorption through the skin's surface, highlighting its unique application in medication administration.